February 9, 2021
Media Contact:
Scott Peterson, Director of Communications, Office of Public Information, 202-277-9412
ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Last night, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball hosted a Vaccine Telephone Town Hall to help answer questions about the vaccines, how to register, and what residents can expect in the coming months. More than 17,000 residents participated in the town hall.
“Howard County is working around the clock to get vaccine administered as quickly and efficiently as possible,” said Ball. “We had so many great questions from our community, and we will continue providing clear, concise, and current information on our vaccine distribution as it progresses in the coming weeks and months ahead. Anyone who did not get their questions answered can email cball@howardcountymd.gov or call 410-313-6284.”
To date, approximately 35,552 Howard County residents have received their first dose of the vaccine, with 17,488 administered by the Health Department. There are more than 200,000 people pre-registered to receive a vaccine, but the Health Department has received only 1,700 doses for this week. Supply continues to be severely limited.
“I’d like to thank County Executive Ball for hosting this very important townhall on the coronavirus,” said Maryland State Senator Clarence Lam, M.D. “There is nothing more important to our constituents than being able to ensure the efficient, equitable, and safe distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine. The opportunity to hear directly from our constituents on this issue is critically important as we continue to highlight some of the ongoing challenges that the Maryland Department of Health needs to address to improve the availability of this vaccine. Administering these vaccines to our residents is the top priority to getting children back in schools, reopening our businesses, and restarting our economy so we can get back to some sense of normalcy.”
“Despite the ongoing challenge with vaccine availability, the Health Department is continuing efforts to get vaccinations into the arms of as many eligible residents as possible,” said Dr. Maura Rossman, Howard County Health Officer. “In addition to our clinics, we encourage residents to visit Maryland’s COVID vaccine website to look for additional opportunities to receive vaccine, as many resources are now being funneled into the State’s mass vaccination sites.”
Pre-Registration for All Phases Open
All phases can now pre-register at vaccine.howardcountymd.gov or by calling 410-313-6284. Pre-registering does not schedule an appointment but provides contact information to the Health Department, so people may be notified when appointments are available.
Howard County Health Department is currently vaccinating those in Phases 1A, 1B, and will vaccinate those ages 65 to 74 in 1C as supply allows. All vaccinations at this point are by appointment only. Appointments for the vaccine will become available as the Health Department receives more vaccine, and supply is severely limited at this time. Residents who have preregistered will be notified by email to schedule an appointment as they become available.
Residents may pre-register with the Howard County Health Department, and through the State website at covidvax.maryland.gov. There are more than 100 providers in Maryland offering vaccinations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many FAQS are answered on the Health Department’s website at vaccine.howardcountymd.gov. Residents should scroll to the bottom of the page to find the frequently asked questions.
“We are continuing to work hard every day to ensure that all residents, particularly our older adults and those who are vulnerable in our community, have access to the vaccines.” said Jacqueline R. Scott, Director of the Howard County Department of Community Resources and Services. “We are keenly aware of the stress and anxiety this process has caused and are committed to support and assist those who need it.”
“Since the beginning of the pandemic, Howard County Fire and Rescue has remained active on the frontlines of response,” said Fire Chief William Anuszewski. “While emergency response is still our primary focus, we are shifting our vaccination support efforts. Beginning immediately, our Mobile Integrated Community Health team will focus on vaccinating specific homebound at-risk groups identified by the Howard County Health Department.”
"I am extremely appreciative of the Howard County Health Department and Johns Hopkins Medicine for prioritizing educators along with all of the vaccines that must be distributed to the many essential employees and vulnerable populations in our County and State,” said HCPSS Superintendent, Michael J. Martirano, Ed.D. “To date, nearly 2700 vaccines have been administered or scheduled for our staff and I am encouraged by the prospect of increased supplies to the state as that will help us expand this number and vaccinate all school system employees."